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Coronavirus latest: South Korea reports 'critical moment' after 813 new cases – live Coronavirus news: South Korea reports 'critical moment' after 813 new cases – live updates
(31 minutes later)
US strengthens travel advice, raising Iran and Italy to a level three, advising people to ‘avoid nonessential travel’. Follow live newsUS strengthens travel advice, raising Iran and Italy to a level three, advising people to ‘avoid nonessential travel’. Follow live news
An entire Italian Serie-C football team is in quarantine after three players and an official tested positive for coronavirus.
Players from Pianese, a side based in Tuscany, began to exhibit symptoms last Saturday, while the team played away against Allesandria. The Siena-based club said in a statement:
Vietnam has announced that all 16 infected coronavirus patients detected in the country have been discharged from hospital and declared cured, Al Jazeera reports.
According to the broadcaster, the Vietnamese government has also detected no new cases of coronavirus for the past 15 days.
For the past 15 days, including on Friday, the government also detected no new cases of infections, the last one having been reported on February 13.
“If fighting COVID-19 has been a war, then we have won the first round but not the entire war because the situation can be very unpredictable,” Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam was quoted as saying.
Vietnam has taken strict measures to halt the spread of the virus, including shutting down schools across the country. A village north of Hanoi remains under lockdown.
An ex-pat teacher in Vietnam tells the Guardian:
The health minister, Edward Argar, has said that the UK continues to be in a “containment phase” of coronavirus spread, and said cancelling events would not be considered unless the outbreak worsened. He told the Today programme on BBC Radio 4:The health minister, Edward Argar, has said that the UK continues to be in a “containment phase” of coronavirus spread, and said cancelling events would not be considered unless the outbreak worsened. He told the Today programme on BBC Radio 4:
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has spoken publicly about the possibility of ramping up measures to protect the public. But Agar said there was no reason to curtail mass events.Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty has spoken publicly about the possibility of ramping up measures to protect the public. But Agar said there was no reason to curtail mass events.
Argar refused to comment on reports that the first person to contract coronavirus in the UK also passed it on to their doctor. Argar refused to comment on reports that the first person to contract coronavirus in the UK also passed it on to their doctor. The Guardian has been told there are fears that a doctor from the patient’s surgery may also have been infected with the virus. If confirmed, this would prompt particular concern as the GP would routinely have seen scores of patients over the course of the last week.
South Korea reported 219 new coronavirus cases, bringing the country’s total infections to 3,150, the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said on Saturday, Reuters reports. South Korea has reported 219 new coronavirus cases, bringing the country’s total infections to 3,150, the Korea Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said on Saturday, Reuters reports.
The new cases added to the 594 confirmed earlier in the day. The new cases are in addition to the 594 confirmed earlier in the day. Together they logged a record daily increase in infections since South Korea confirmed its first patient on 20 January.
Together they logged a record daily increase in infections since South Korea confirmed its first patient on Jan. 20. Earlier (5.27am), we reported how South Korean authorities had asked residents to stay at home this weekend to help contain the spread of the coronavirus.
Earlier we reported how South Korean authorities have asked residents to stay at home this weekend to help contain the spread of the coronavirus. Large swathes of Seoul and other cities appear to be largely deserted.
Large swathes of Seoul and other cities appear to be mostly empty.
Health officials in the US have identified four “presumptive” coronavirus cases believed to have been infected within the country, in a turning point in efforts to contain Covid-19 there, Reuters is reporting.Health officials in the US have identified four “presumptive” coronavirus cases believed to have been infected within the country, in a turning point in efforts to contain Covid-19 there, Reuters is reporting.
Three new cases of apparent community transmission, plus the one identified earlier this week in California, are a sign the virus is now spreading within at least four separate locations up and down the US west coast.Three new cases of apparent community transmission, plus the one identified earlier this week in California, are a sign the virus is now spreading within at least four separate locations up and down the US west coast.
They span nearly 900 miles, from California’s Silicon Valley region to the Puget Sound near Seattle.They span nearly 900 miles, from California’s Silicon Valley region to the Puget Sound near Seattle.
The agency reported a U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statement on Friday citing three new diagnoses - one each in California, Oregon and Washington state.The agency reported a U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statement on Friday citing three new diagnoses - one each in California, Oregon and Washington state.
If confirmed by the CDC, together with a previous case of unknown origin announced on Wednesday in California, that would bring to four the number of diagnosed individuals in the United States with no history of travel to a country where the virus is circulating and no close contact with a person known to be infected.If confirmed by the CDC, together with a previous case of unknown origin announced on Wednesday in California, that would bring to four the number of diagnosed individuals in the United States with no history of travel to a country where the virus is circulating and no close contact with a person known to be infected.
The three latest patients were diagnosed based on results obtained in their respective states from CDC-supplied test kits and are considered “presumptive positive” cases pending CDC confirmatory testing, the U.S. agency said.The three latest patients were diagnosed based on results obtained in their respective states from CDC-supplied test kits and are considered “presumptive positive” cases pending CDC confirmatory testing, the U.S. agency said.
A fourth presumptive positive was also announced in Washington state on Friday, but that one is “likely travel-related,” the CDC said.A fourth presumptive positive was also announced in Washington state on Friday, but that one is “likely travel-related,” the CDC said.
Hello, this is Damien Gayle in London, taking the reins of the live blog. As usual, as well as contributions from the Guardian’s network of correspondents, the news wires and social media, I will be relying on your input to help report the global developments in the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak. If you have any information, ideas or questions, then contact me at damien.gayle@theguardian.com or via my Twitter profile @damiengayle.Hello, this is Damien Gayle in London, taking the reins of the live blog. As usual, as well as contributions from the Guardian’s network of correspondents, the news wires and social media, I will be relying on your input to help report the global developments in the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak. If you have any information, ideas or questions, then contact me at damien.gayle@theguardian.com or via my Twitter profile @damiengayle.
Australia has announced a travel ban to Iran, placing travellers from that country on the same restrictions as people seeking to travel to Australia from China. Australian citizens and permanent residents returning from either country will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, and foreign nationals seeking to enter Australia will not be able to do so until at least 14 days after they have left China or Iran.Australia has announced a travel ban to Iran, placing travellers from that country on the same restrictions as people seeking to travel to Australia from China. Australian citizens and permanent residents returning from either country will be required to self-isolate for 14 days, and foreign nationals seeking to enter Australia will not be able to do so until at least 14 days after they have left China or Iran.
It comes as authorities in Queensland are trying to trace up to 40 people who may have received a beauty treatment from a Gold Coast beautician who returned from Iran on Monday and later became ill. She has since tested positive to coronavirus.It comes as authorities in Queensland are trying to trace up to 40 people who may have received a beauty treatment from a Gold Coast beautician who returned from Iran on Monday and later became ill. She has since tested positive to coronavirus.
Iran has the highest number of deaths from the novel coronavirus outside of China. Some 34 deaths have been reported, but the real figure is believed to be much higher.Iran has the highest number of deaths from the novel coronavirus outside of China. Some 34 deaths have been reported, but the real figure is believed to be much higher.
The US has also strengthened its travel advice, raising Iran and Italy to a level three, advising people to “avoid nonessential travel.”The US has also strengthened its travel advice, raising Iran and Italy to a level three, advising people to “avoid nonessential travel.”
The US has reported three new cases of the virus where the infection if of unknown origin. A woman in California, a high school student in Washington state and an elementary school worker in Portland, Oregon have been diagnosed with the virus despite not having travelled overseas or come into close contact with someone who is at known risk.The US has reported three new cases of the virus where the infection if of unknown origin. A woman in California, a high school student in Washington state and an elementary school worker in Portland, Oregon have been diagnosed with the virus despite not having travelled overseas or come into close contact with someone who is at known risk.
The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has said it will have new coronavirus testing kits delivered to all states by the end of the week, after the first lot of tests were faulty.The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has said it will have new coronavirus testing kits delivered to all states by the end of the week, after the first lot of tests were faulty.
US authorities have postponed a planned ASEAN meeting in Las Vegas on 14 March over coronavirus fears, and the UN has recommended ministers and diplomats avoid travelling to New York for a meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women next week.US authorities have postponed a planned ASEAN meeting in Las Vegas on 14 March over coronavirus fears, and the UN has recommended ministers and diplomats avoid travelling to New York for a meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women next week.
Authorities in South Korea have asked residents to stay home this weekend in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, after the country reported the biggest rise of cases in a single day since the virus was first detected in the country on 20 January. Some 594 cases were reported on Saturday, and the country’s death toll has risen to 17.Authorities in South Korea have asked residents to stay home this weekend in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus, after the country reported the biggest rise of cases in a single day since the virus was first detected in the country on 20 January. Some 594 cases were reported on Saturday, and the country’s death toll has risen to 17.
Mainland China reported the lowest number of new cases in a month, with 427 new cases reported, of which all but four were in Hubei province. There were 47 new deaths reported.Mainland China reported the lowest number of new cases in a month, with 427 new cases reported, of which all but four were in Hubei province. There were 47 new deaths reported.
Globally, there are an estimated 85,000 cases of Covid-19 and some 2,900 deaths. The virus has been detected in 58 countries.Globally, there are an estimated 85,000 cases of Covid-19 and some 2,900 deaths. The virus has been detected in 58 countries.
You can read a wrap of these developments here.You can read a wrap of these developments here.
‘It just seems sensible’‘It just seems sensible’
Some Australians have begun stockpiling food and medication in anticipation of a coronavirus outbreak.Some Australians have begun stockpiling food and medication in anticipation of a coronavirus outbreak.
Gary Nunn reports that the threat of a pandemic, coming so soon after a horrific summer of bushfires that left many communities cut off for weeks, has made preppers out of people who would previously have laughed at the idea.Gary Nunn reports that the threat of a pandemic, coming so soon after a horrific summer of bushfires that left many communities cut off for weeks, has made preppers out of people who would previously have laughed at the idea.
One Sydney couple have already gathered three months worth of supplies.One Sydney couple have already gathered three months worth of supplies.
But experts say it is not necessary. Professor Nigel McMillan, the director of infectious diseases and immunology at the Menzies Health Institute at Griffith University in Queensland, says:But experts say it is not necessary. Professor Nigel McMillan, the director of infectious diseases and immunology at the Menzies Health Institute at Griffith University in Queensland, says:
There’s no need to stockpile food, medicine, petrol or anything at this stage.There’s no need to stockpile food, medicine, petrol or anything at this stage.
We don’t wish to induce panic buying when, for 95 to 99% of the population, this’ll be a mild cold, nothing more. Plus, once we’ve had this strain, we’ll become immune to it.We don’t wish to induce panic buying when, for 95 to 99% of the population, this’ll be a mild cold, nothing more. Plus, once we’ve had this strain, we’ll become immune to it.
You can read the full piece here.You can read the full piece here.
Theme parks and sports stadiums in Japan have been closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.Theme parks and sports stadiums in Japan have been closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The Australian government has issued a statement on the travel ban to Iran, saying it is “part of our ongoing strategy of containment and minimising risk to the Australian community as detailed in our pandemic preparedness plan.”The Australian government has issued a statement on the travel ban to Iran, saying it is “part of our ongoing strategy of containment and minimising risk to the Australian community as detailed in our pandemic preparedness plan.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will raise the level of the travel advisory for Iran from level 3 to level 4 – do not travel;The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will raise the level of the travel advisory for Iran from level 3 to level 4 – do not travel;
Foreign nationals (excluding permanent residents of Australia) who are in Iran on or after 1 March 2020, will not be allowed to enter Australia for 14 days, from the time they have left or transited through Iran;Foreign nationals (excluding permanent residents of Australia) who are in Iran on or after 1 March 2020, will not be allowed to enter Australia for 14 days, from the time they have left or transited through Iran;
Australian citizens and permanent residents will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians or dependants only). They will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days from the day they left Iran.Australian citizens and permanent residents will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members (spouses, legal guardians or dependants only). They will be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days from the day they left Iran.
In a joint statement, prime minister Scott Morrison, health minister Greg Hunt and foreign minister Marine Payne said the travel advice was lifted on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.In a joint statement, prime minister Scott Morrison, health minister Greg Hunt and foreign minister Marine Payne said the travel advice was lifted on the advice of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.
Guardian Australia’s Melbourne bureau chief, Melissa Davey, explained those reasons here.Guardian Australia’s Melbourne bureau chief, Melissa Davey, explained those reasons here.
The United States has updated its travel advice for Iran and Italy, warning people to “avoid nonessential travel” due to the increased spread of coronavirus.The United States has updated its travel advice for Iran and Italy, warning people to “avoid nonessential travel” due to the increased spread of coronavirus.
It comes as Australia placed a travel ban on Iran, putting it on the same restrictions as China.It comes as Australia placed a travel ban on Iran, putting it on the same restrictions as China.
“Avoid nonessential travel” is a level three warning. China and South Korea were already under the same warning.“Avoid nonessential travel” is a level three warning. China and South Korea were already under the same warning.
The ratings for Italy and Iran were updated by the CDC on Friday. The upgraded travel advice for Italy in particular is expected to have implications for businesses that have policies against allowing staff to travel to countries with a level three warning in place.The ratings for Italy and Iran were updated by the CDC on Friday. The upgraded travel advice for Italy in particular is expected to have implications for businesses that have policies against allowing staff to travel to countries with a level three warning in place.
There is no additional travel warning for Hong Kong, and Japan currently sits at a level two, which means travellers are advised to practice “enhanced precautions.”There is no additional travel warning for Hong Kong, and Japan currently sits at a level two, which means travellers are advised to practice “enhanced precautions.”
Coronavirus cases from ‘unknown’ sources concern health officialsCoronavirus cases from ‘unknown’ sources concern health officials
Health officials in the US are reportedly worried that the novel coronavirus is spreading through communities on the west coast, after three patients — one in Oregon, one in California and one in Washington — were infected through unknown means.Health officials in the US are reportedly worried that the novel coronavirus is spreading through communities on the west coast, after three patients — one in Oregon, one in California and one in Washington — were infected through unknown means.
This report from Associated Press.This report from Associated Press.
The patients are:The patients are:
An older woman in northern California with chronic health conditionsAn older woman in northern California with chronic health conditions
A high school student in Everett, WashingtonA high school student in Everett, Washington
An employee at an elementary school in Portland, OregonAn employee at an elementary school in Portland, Oregon
None of the patients had recently travelled overseas or had any known close contact with a traveller or an infected person, authorities said.None of the patients had recently travelled overseas or had any known close contact with a traveller or an infected person, authorities said.
Santa Clara County in the San Francisco Bay Area also reported two cases where the source of infection wasn’t known, AP reported.Santa Clara County in the San Francisco Bay Area also reported two cases where the source of infection wasn’t known, AP reported.
Cherry blossom festivals in Japan have been cancelled due to fears around the coronavirus.Cherry blossom festivals in Japan have been cancelled due to fears around the coronavirus.
From AFP:From AFP:
Tiger Ye, a 21-year-old student in Wuhan, contracted the novel coronavirus. He wrote about the experience in The Guardian.Tiger Ye, a 21-year-old student in Wuhan, contracted the novel coronavirus. He wrote about the experience in The Guardian.
You can read the full story here:You can read the full story here: